Lakeland College was selected as one of Alberta's Top Employers for the third consecutive year.

Maternity leave top-up payments for new mothers, health and wellness spending accounts, and phased-in work options for those nearing retirement are a few of the reasons why Lakeland College was named to the 2019 Alberta's Top Employers list.

The list was released on Feb. 20 by Mediacorp Canada Inc., the company that manages Canada's Top 100 Employers project and competitions such as Alberta's Top Employers.

Dave King and Colleen Symes accept the award in Calgary

“We're proud to be named one of Alberta's Top 75 Employers. This is the third year in a row we've made this list. We have exceptional people throughout our organization who have worked together to make Lakeland College a leading post-secondary institution not only for students but also for employees,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College.

Employers are evaluated based on the following criteria: physical workplace; work atmosphere and social; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

Mediacorp Canada highlighted three reasons for Lakeland's selection as one of Alberta's Top Employers:

  • Lakeland supports employees who are new mothers with maternity leave top-up payments (to 95 per cent of salary) and offers the option to extend their leave into an unpaid leave of absence. Employees can also take advantage of onsite daycare when they are ready to return to work.
  • As part of the health benefits plan, employees can allocate $800 per year to health and/or wellness spending accounts.
  • Lakeland helps employees plan securely for the future with contributions to a defined benefit pension plan and retirement planning assistance. Lakeland also offers phased-in work options for those nearing retirement.

Lakeland is one of five post-secondary institutions in Alberta on the 2019 list.

Photo: Dave King, School of Trades and Technology dean, and Colleen Symes, Marketing and Communications director, accepted the award in Calgary, Alta., on Feb. 20.